- identifying personal aspects (personality traits, training, experience) that are
significant in applying for a position.
Procedure:
- each participant will make a Presentation letter draft;
- the purpose of writing a CV and a Presentation letter will be clarified;
- the participants will read and analyse their colleagues’ Presentation letters
insisting on argument pertinence and diversity; - each Presentation letter will be evaluated by colleagues, suggestions for
improvement will be debated within the group.
Method evaluation
Advantages of a Presentation letter:
- lays stress upon academic or professional qualifications that are relevant to
the requirements of the position; - represents an opportunity for self-analysis, a reflection of motivations and
professional aims of the applicant; - if read before the CV , it represents the first contact with the employers, which
could persuade them to invite the applicant for an interview; - applicants have to put themselves in the employer’s position and anticipate
the latter’s reactions on reading the document.
Disadvantages of a Presentation letter:
- it is difficult to write, since it requires accuracy and conciseness for setting
off the applicant’s qualities; - requires an investment of time to communicate and adjust fundamental ideas;
- includes the egocentrism trap, in case of some applicants who will insist on
their own qualities and interests without mentioning their usefulness or
putting themselves in the employer’s position; - may bore the employer if written monotonously, without raising and
maintaining his/her interest while reading.